Genre:

Obituary, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Hydropathy, Supernaturalism, Providence

    Describes how Brownell was left without sight for several years as a child after suffering from smallpox. Relates that, being instructed in a dream, his father took him to a local well, using the water to bathe his eyes until his sight was fully restored. Observes: 'Whether this salutary effect was produced by any mineral qualities in the water, I know not; but in the means by which the father was led to adopt this mode of cure, there seems to have been a striking display of that kind providence which watches over men in general, and especially over those who are, or will be, the heirs of salvation' (1).

Genre:

Sermon, Abstract

Publications abstracted:

Henry Moore Moore, Henry (1751–1844) ODNB
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Subjects:

Reason, Christianity, Error, Natural Theology, Biblical Authority, Scientific Practitioners, Infidelity, Miracles, Ancient Authorities

People mentioned:

Benjamin Franklin Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) DSB
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    The sermon, which expounds the text of 1 Cor. 1. 21, asserts that the Corinthians were proud, idle, and rich, and were easy prey to '[p]hilosophy, falsely so called'. Observes that such philosophy 'always begins with the rich' and leisured, only later passing to the poor. Considers that the Corinthians might have gloried in knowing God by philosophy, had the 'ancient pretension' been true that 'we may "look through nature up to nature's GOD"'. Suggests, however, that 'there is much of atheism in that popular sentiment.' (7) Avers that God can only be known by his self-revelation. Explains that the biblical epistle was written to 'bring the Corinthians to that poverty of spirit' which is essential to Christian faith. Expounds the three parts of the text: first, the 'great FACT' that 'THE WORLD BY WISDOM KNEW NOT GOD', secondly, 'that the WISDOM OF GOD was concerned in the demonstration of this Fact', and thirdly, that God's saving self-revelation came through 'THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING'. In support of the first of these, advances evidence from the degenerate state of 'the heathen world' as revealed by missionary endeavours. (8) Points out that the people of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, with all their scientific learning, did not know God. Argues that modern infidels, such as François M A de Voltaire Voltaire, François Marie Arouet de (1694–1778) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>, Henry Saint-John (Viscount Bolinbroke) Saint-John, Henry, Viscount Bolingbroke (1678–1751) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>, David Hume Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>, and Edward Gibbon Gibbon, Edward (1737–94) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>, owed their 'deistical wisdom' not to the ancient Greeks, but to the Bible (10). Observes that the ancient Romans eschewed the inherited knowledge of the one true God, and, from reasoning about God, became corrupt polytheists. Argues that this corruption of true religion was part of the inscrutable design of God, to make manifest that he can only be known by self-revelation. Considers the 'celebrated infidel' Hume's argument against miracles an instance of this, pointing out that 'the inflated worm' saw his argument 'crushed to pieces under the foot of DR. CAMPBELL Campbell, George (1719–96) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>' (12). Discusses God's forbearance in allowing the ancient Greeks to enjoy their idolatrous successes, noting that he 'gave them a soaring intellect, a deep-searching spirit of science'. Concludes by discussing the 'foolishness of preaching' and the relationship between the Christian gospel, learning, and salvation. (13)

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Anecdote

Subjects:

Magic, Physiology, Miracle, Providence

    Relates an anecdote, extracted from a 'respectable Publication', reporting the case of a seventeenth-century French ambassador, who twice experienced 'a violent hemorrhage [sic] at the nose' at the approach of a shoemaker who was his unsuspected nephew. In the original context, this is adduced as an instance of 'the sympathetic affinity of individuals'. The writer of the introduction allows that there 'may possibly exist some sort of occult sympathies in nature' and is not inclined 'boldly to discredit every fact, for which science, at present, is unable to account'. Suggests that it might even have been a miraculous intervention.

Genre:

Letter, Introduction; Extract, Letter, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Mr Paddon Paddon, John (of Plymouth) (fl. 1823) WM3/2/1c/4
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Subjects:

Agriculture, Utility, Piety, Theology of Nature, Biblical Authority, Causation

    Clarke introduces a letter to him which gives an account of the corn reaped from a single grain over successive seasons. Urges the relevance of such material, not only as being useful in improving agriculture, but as grounds for reflection on the divine attributes. Observes: 'Many thousands of those whose only business is to cultivate the ground, to produce food for themselves and others, and who constantly read your work, are glad to see any thing that may induce them, through the medium of their own labour, to climb from earth to heaven, and see HIS hand, where before they were accustomed to see nothing but a sort of blind result of their own spades and plough-shares' (29). Uses Biblical texts to urge that God is the first cause.

See also:

Adam Clarke, 'Dr. Adam Clarke's Account of an Agricultural Experiment', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 573–74, J H, 'Farther Observations on the Agricultural Experiment Detailed in the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine for September, 1822, p. 573', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 649–50

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Industry

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Discovery, Chemistry, Industry, Patents

People mentioned:

Benjamin Cook Cook, Benjamin (of Baskerville House, Birmingham) (fl. 1823) WM3/2/1e/8, ML1/2/46b/4
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Machinery, Display

People mentioned:

M Scheerbaum Scheerbaum, M (fl. 1823) WM3/2/1e/9
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Genre:

Abstract, Paper

Publications abstracted:

Babbage 1822 Babbage, Charles 1822. A Letter to Sir Humphry Davy, Bart, on the Application of Machinery to the Purpose of Calculating and Printing Mathematical Tables, London: J. Booth, and Baldwin, Cradock and Joy
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Subjects:

Machinery, Instruments, Mathematics

People mentioned:

Humphry Davy Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Domestic Economy

Genre:

Instructions—Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Phillips 1822 Phillips, Henry 1822. History of Cultivated Vegetables: Comprising their Botanical, Medicinal, Edible, and Chemical Qualities, Natural History, and Relation to Art, Science, and Commerce, 2 vols, London: Henry Colburn and Co.
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Subjects:

Botany, Domestic Economy

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Astronomy, Meteorology

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Botany, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

Pliny Pliny (Gaius Plinius Secundus) (c. 23–79) DSB
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Publications cited:

Phillips 1822 Phillips, Henry 1822. History of Cultivated Vegetables: Comprising their Botanical, Medicinal, Edible, and Chemical Qualities, Natural History, and Relation to Art, Science, and Commerce, 2 vols, London: Henry Colburn and Co.
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Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Natural Imperialism, Acclimatization, Botany, Horticulture

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Medical Treatment

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Machinery, Domestic Economy

Genre:

Extract, Letter

Publications extracted:

Mr Kay Kay, Mr (fl. 1823) WM3/2/1f/18
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Subjects:

Ethnography, Christianity, Imperialism

    Describes the bushmen in some detail, and compares them with other tribes, 'in order to show [...] the importance of Africa as a field for Missionary exertions'.

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Technicians, Industry, Manufactories, Morality, Piety

    Quotes from The Cambrian Cambrian (1804–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>, concerning the late Mr Thomas Pengilly Pengilly, Thomas (Superintendent of the Neath-Abbey Iron-Works) (1769/70–1822) WM3/2/1g/19
Close   View the register entry >>, 'Superintendent of the Neath-Abbey Iron-Works, and for many years a member of the Methodist Society there', that 'he was distinguished by his "scientific and practical acquaintance with the mechanical powers [...]" and, above all, "his sincere and influential religion"'.

Genre:

Poetry, Extract

Publications extracted:

Thomas Pringle Pringle, Thomas (1789–1834) ODNB
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Subjects:

Feeling, Astronomy, Theology of Nature, Piety

    Enquires rhetorically: 'Can haughty Science ever pour / Such blissful visions from her bower, / As when that mother's warblings wild / Had sooth'd to rest her sickly child'. Refers to 'The STARRY SCRIPTURES of the sky / By GOD'S own finger grav'd on high, / On heaven's expanded scroll,—whose speech / To every tribe doth knowledge teach,— / When silent Night unlocks to seals, / And to forgetful man reveals / The wonders of eternal might, / In living lines of glorious light'.

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Goodwin 1648 Goodwin, John 1648. The Divine Authority of the Scriptures Asserted; or, The Great Charter of the Worlds Blessednes Vindicated. Being a Discourse of Soveraigne Use and Service in these Times; Not Only Against that King of Errours, and Heresies Anti-Scripturisme [...] but Also Against All Such Inward Suggestions and Secret Underminings of Satan, by Which he Privily Attempteth the Ruine of the Precious Faith and Hope, Wherewith the Saints have Built up Themselves with Much Spirituall Industry and Care. Together with Two Tables Annexed; the Former, of the Contents, and Severall Arguments more Largely Prosecuted in the Treatise; the Later, of Such Texts of Scripture unto Which Some Light is Given Therein, London: Henry Overton
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Subjects:

Natural Philosophy, Piety

    In the extract John Goodwin Goodwin, John (1594?–1665) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> considers godliness a 'propension in the soul, which inclines it, in all the motions and tendencies of it, towards GOD'. Considers this analogous to the 'natural quality of heaviness in a stone, and in all other heavy bodies, which directs them in a straight line to the centre of the earth' and the 'contrary impression of lightness in fire, whose property is to carry the body towards the circumference'. (83) Suggests: 'Holiness may be compared to the brightness which is in gold; Godliness, to that weightiness in it, which carries it towards the centre. Holiness respects the nature and quality of the action, and engageth to a serious and zealous rectitude in these: Godliness respects the end of the action, and carries the agent in his intentions upon GOD' (84).

Genre:

Introduction; Extract

Publications extracted:

Anon [1823a] Anon. [1823a]. Some Account of the Death of William Blair, Esq., M.A.: Surgeon to the Bloomsbury Dispensary in London, &c. &c.; Who Died Dec. 6, 1822, aged Fifty-Six, London: J. & T. Clarke
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Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Piety, Infidelity, Morality

    The editor introduces the extract with the observation that the 'decided adherence of this eminent Surgeon to the cause of revealed religion, and of vital godliness, furnished an additional instance to many already on record, well calculated to redeem the respectable profession to which he belonged from the stigma of [a] strong tendency to Infidelity, sometimes too indiscriminately fixed upon it' (101). The extract details his religious activism, reporting: 'As Surgeon to the Bloomsbury Dispensary Bloomsbury Dispensary
Close   View the register entry >>, he was indefatigable in his attentions to the cases of distress which came under his notice: he cared not only for the bodies and temporal concerns, but for the souls and eternal interests of his patients; frequently exhausting his income in relieving the wants of the indigent' (102).

Genre:

Reportage, Extract

Subjects:

Vulcanology, Providence, Disease

Genre:

Poetry, Extract

Publications extracted:

James Montgomery Montgomery, James (1771–1854) ODNB
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Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Design, Natural Economy, Human Species, Progress, Christianity, Natural Theology

    The early stanzas concern animals, plants and minerals, concluding: 'Gem, flower, and fish, the bird, the brute, / Of every kind, occult or known, / (Each equisitely form'd to suit / Its humble lot, and that alone,) / Through ocean, earth, and air, fulfil, / Unconsciously, their Author's will'. The remaining stanzas contrast these creatures with the human species, which, while feeble at birth, is self-willed: 'all aspire beyond their fate; / The least, the meanest, would be great'. These aspirations, the poet believes, must correspond with an immortal existence: 'Is there a GOD?—All nature shows / There is,—and yet no mortal knows: / The mind that could this truth conceive, / Which brute sensation never taught, / No longer to the dust would cleave, / But grow immortal at the thought!'.

Genre:

Introduction / Letter

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Discovery, Controversy, Biblical Authority

Publications cited:

Buckland 1822, Buckland, William 1822. 'Account of an Assemblage of Fossil Teeth and Bones of Elephant, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Bear, Tiger, and Hyæna, and Sixteen Other Animals, Discovered in a Cave at Kirkdale, Yorkshire, in the Year 1821; With a Comparative View of Five Similar Caverns in Various Parts of England, and Others on the Continent', Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 112 (1822), 171–236
Close   View the register entry >> Buckland 1823, Buckland, William 1823. Reliquiae Diluvianae; or, Observations on the Organic Remains Contained in Caves, Fissures, and Diluvial Gravel, and on other Geological Phenomena, Attesting the Action of an Universal Deluge, London: John Murray
Close   View the register entry >> Cumberland 1823 Cumberland, George 1823. 'On the Origin of the Accumulations of Bones in the Caves of the Vale of Pickering in Yorkshire and Other Places', Annals of Philosophy, 5, 127–29
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    Introduces a letter which has been sent to the Annals of Philosophy Annals of Philosophy (1813–26) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>, of which the editor 'has been favoured with a copy'. Believes that 'to some classes of our Readers it will be highly interesting'. (166) The letter disputes Buckland's explanation of the remains in the Kirkdale cave as the accumulation of debris in a hyena den. Argues from the entirely enclosed limestone caves near Plymouth that such remains may result instead from subsidence entombing a large number of living animals. Concludes that in both Pickering and Plymouth subsidence trapped 'assemblages of animals' which had taken shelter from the rising waters of the Noachian Deluge, but that in the former case the cave was subsequently reopened by the retreating flood waters. Suggests that the signs of gnawing on the bones proves only that some of the animals outlived the others. (167)

See also:

Anon, 'Discovery of a Den of Hyænas', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 260, Anon, 'Den of Hyænas', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 323

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Richardson 1822 Richardson, Robert 1822. Travels along the Mediterranean and Parts Adjacent: In Company with the Earl of Belmore, During the Years 1816-17-18. Extending as Far as the Second Cataract of the Nile, Jerusalem, Damascus, Balbec, &c, 2 vols, London: T. Cadell; Edinburgh: W. Blackwood
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Subjects:

Exploration, Infidelity, Piety, Archaeology, Astronomy, Time, Biblical Authority, Superstition, Reading, Expertise, Discovery, Collecting, Museums, Exhibition

People mentioned:

Giovanni B Belzoni Belzoni, Giovanni Battista (1778–1823) CBD
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    Observes that many of the travellers who have written on the middle east have been '[t]riflers and infidels'; by contrast, the current author ranks with those 'travellers of real science, extensive knowledge of antiquity, and respect to Christianity' (168). Quotes Richardson's dismissal of Egyptian chronologies based on zodiacal signs, the identity of which he disputes. He suggests that the philosopher who urges these theories is no less 'credulous and absurd in his practice and belief' than the superstitious religious fanatic, observing: 'All this the history of human science and opinions sufficiently [... testifies], from the days of THALES Thales (625BC–547BC) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> and ARISTOTLE Aristotle (384–322 BC) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> to the days of LOCKE Locke, John (1632–1704) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> and LA PLACE Laplace, Pierre-Simon, marquis de (1749–1827) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>'. Citing Jean F Champollion Champollion, Jean François (1790–1832) CBD
Close   View the register entry >> and Jean-Baptiste Biot Biot, Jean-Baptiste (1774–1862) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> in opposition to the zodiacal dating, he concludes that the case 'may serve to put our reading youth also on their guard against those plausible objections to the word of GOD, which are so often raised on pretended scientific authority'. (172)

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Literary Gazette Literary Gazette (1817–62) Parthenon (1863) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Exploration, Hydrography

See also:

Anon, 'The Northern Expedition', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 2 (1823), 753–56

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Letter

Publications extracted:

King George IV George IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover (1762–1830) ODNB
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Subjects:

Libraries, Patronage

Institutions mentioned:

British Museum British Museum
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Instruments, Astronomy, Time

People mentioned:

Mr Fatton Fatton, Mr (fl. 1823) WM3/2/3c/5
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Metallurgy

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Engineering

People mentioned:

Samuel Brown Brown, Sir Samuel (1776–1852) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

Institutions mentioned:

Iron Suspension Bridge, River Tweed Iron Suspension Bridge, River Tweed
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Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Patents, Industry

People mentioned:

C Yardley Yardley, Mr C (of Camberwell) (fl. 1823) WM3/2/3c/8
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Invention, Machinery

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Magnetism

People mentioned:

Christopher Hansteen Hansteen, Christopher (1784–1873) DSB
Close   View the register entry >>

Genre:

Abstract, Paper

Publications abstracted:

Scoresby 1822–24 Scoresby, William 1822–24. 'Experiments and Observations on the Development of Magnetical Properties in Steel and Iron by Percussion'. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 112, 241–52; 114, 197–221
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Subjects:

Magnetism, Experiment, Display, Instruments

Genre:

Extract, Reportage; Afterword

Publications extracted:

National Advocate National Advocate (1812–29) RLIN
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Subjects:

Libraries, Lecturing, Education, Class, Reading, Christianity

    Responding to the extracted report from a New York newspaper, the afterword states: 'Might not Apprentice-Libraries be established, including not only books on the arts, &c., but also others on general subjects, likely to interest and instruct young people of the labouring classes, and especially a careful and judicious selection of Religious Works'?

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Medical Treatment

    Palmer suffered from hereditary cataracts, and was repeatedly 'couched' without success. In 1782 he consulted Baron de Wenzel Baron de Wenzel (fl. 1782) WM3/2/3e/14
Close   View the register entry >> and Dr Jericho Jericho, Dr (of Holland) (fl. 1782) WM3/2/3e/14
Close   View the register entry >>, the latter of whom restored his sight by couching.

Genre:

Extract, Essay

Publications extracted:

Gospel Advocate Gospel Advocate (1821–24) BUCOP
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Subjects:

Reason, Christianity, Biblical Authority, Infidelity, Chemistry, Mechanics, Magnetism, Gravity, Mathematics, Botany, Animal Development, Physiology, Human Species, Metaphysics, Unbelief, Natural Theology

    Responds to certain persistent objections to revealed religion by observing that there are mysteries in religion and that 'he that withholds his belief until all are explained in a way agreeable to his reason, must live and die an infidel'. Argues at length that 'our knowledge of physical and intellectual subjects' gives no reasonable expectation of being able to resolve all mysteries in religion. (227) Reviews the sciences of chemistry, mechanics, magnetism, mathematics, life, and mind, and concludes that all are ultimately involved in the profoundest mystery. Quotes from Dugald Stewart Stewart, Dugald (1753–1828) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> the statement that 'it is well known that our inquiries must always terminate in some general fact, of which no account can be given, but that such is the constitution of nature' (227–28). Quotes from Thomas Reid Reid, Thomas (1710–96) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> the observation that 'we deceive ourselves if we conceive that we can point out the real efficient cause of any' of the phenomena of natural philosophy. Reports that David Hume's Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> sense of the 'narrowness and falibility of our knowledge' led him to conclude that people were not 'justified in believing any thing'. (228) Observes that the subject of 'natural religion' is as much involved in mystery as revealed religion. Concludes that belief in revealed religion is rational, despite its abiding mysteries.

Genre:

Letter, Miscellaneous

Subjects:

Entomology, Design

    The observations are based on personal experience. The writer, who has 'kept Glow-worms for years in glasses', gives instructions as to how to keep them.

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Arago 1823 Arago, Jacques Etienne Victor 1823. Narrative of a Voyage Round the World in the Uranie and Physicienne Corvettes: Commanded by Captain Freycinet, During the Years 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820; on a Scientific Expedition Undertaken by Order of the French Government. In a Series of Letters to a Friend ... To Which is Prefixed, the Report Made to the Academy of Sciences, on the General Results of the Expedition, London: Treuttel & Wurtz, Treuttal, jun. & Richter
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Subjects:

Exploration, Ethnography

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Richardson 1822 Richardson, Robert 1822. Travels along the Mediterranean and Parts Adjacent: In Company with the Earl of Belmore, During the Years 1816-17-18. Extending as Far as the Second Cataract of the Nile, Jerusalem, Damascus, Balbec, &c, 2 vols, London: T. Cadell; Edinburgh: W. Blackwood
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Exploration, Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Christianity

    An extract describes Richardson's treatment of Coptic patients during regular consultations in Luxor.

Genre:

Extract, Poetry

Publications extracted:

—— Bryant Bryant, —— (fl. 1823) WM3/2/4c/6
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Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Instinct, Piety

    The poet reflects that the God, who guides the migrating birds 'from zone to zone', will lead his 'steps aright'.

Genre:

Extract, Discourse, Serial

Publications extracted:

Taylor 1700 Taylor, Nathanael 1700. A Discourse of the Nature and Necessity of Faith in Jesus Christ: With an Answer to the Pleas of our Modern Unitarians for the Sufficiency of Bare Morality or Meer Charity to Salvation, London: John Lawrence and Thomas Cockerill
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Mechanics, Instruments, Morality

Publications cited:

Boulton, ed. 1699–1700, 1: 450 Boulton, Richard, ed. 1699–1700. The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq. Epitomiz'd, 4 vols, London: J. Phillips and J. Taylor
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    Draws an analogy between the human conscience and 'modern' theories of air. Like air, conscience has a 'native spring in it, that will endeavour to recover its ancient power, if oppressed; and when it does, the greater violence has been offered to it, it will return to its throne with the greater fury'. The sinner, when 'empty of all his outward comforts', like a sealed glass bubble in an air pump, will be 'utterly shivered in pieces by the workings of that mighty principle within'. (293)

Genre:

Extract, Address

Publications extracted:

John M Good Good, John Mason (1764–1827) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Natural Theology, Ancient Authorities, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

Lucretius Lucretius (c. 95–c. 55 BC) DSB
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    Declares: 'To determine what the light of unassisted nature can accomplish, and what it cannot, it is necessary to ascend into times which preceded the great gift of evangelical knowledge to the world'. Considers that 'through a considerable portion' of the four thousand years preceding that 'glorious era', 'the light of reason was as closely cultivated, as nicely trimmed, and burned with as bright a lustre, as in our own day'. (305) Argues that in religion, all ancient peoples were utterly devoid of true doctrine, even as to the existence and attributes of God. Cites Rom. 1. 20 in support of this argument, and urges the necessity of Bible distribution.

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

David L Richardson Richardson, David Lester (1801–65) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> , Asiatic Researches Asiatic[k] Researches; or, Transactions of the Society Instituted in Bengal for Inquiring into the History and Antiquities, the Arts, Sciences and Literature of India (1788–1839) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Botany, Agriculture, Acclimatization, Pharmaceuticals, Nutrition

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Literary Gazette Literary Gazette (1817–62) Parthenon (1863) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Wonder, Natural History, Entomology, Physiology, Museums, Collecting

People mentioned:

William Clift, Clift, William (1775–1849) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> Joseph Banks Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) DSB ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

Institutions mentioned:

Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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    Describes the discovery of a live specimen of a species of Cerambyx, apparently sealed in a chamber within a plank of imported wood. Relates an earlier instance, in which a similar specimen was found alive in the timber of an old desk. Concludes: 'The inferences which may be drawn from these memorable phenomena, we leave to the Natural Philosopher: in a popular point of view, they are worth recording for their extreme curiosity'.

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Watson 18[23]–29 Watson, Richard 18[23–]29. Theological Institutes; or, A View of the Evidences, Doctrines, Morals and Institutions of Christianity, 3 vols, London: John Mason
Close   View the register entry >>

Subjects:

Mathematics, Proof, Christianity, Biblical Authority, Metaphysics, Natural Philosophy, Natural Theology, Geology, Ancient Authorities, Miracle, Natural Law

People mentioned:

David Hume, Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> George Campbell Campbell, George (1719–96) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>

    Introduces the review with observations on the deficiencies of the many existing systems of theology in English. Observes: 'Much valuable information may doubtless be derived from the Lectures Doddridge, Philip 1763. A Course of Lectures on the Principal Subjects in Pneumatology, Ethics, and Divinity: With References to the Most Considerable Authors on Each Subject, London: J. Buckland, [and 13 others]
Close   View the register entry >> of Dr. Doddridge Doddridge, Philip (1702–51) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>; but their mathematical form renders their general tendency injurious, rather than otherwise; as leading inexperienced minds to subject even the most sublime discoveries of revelation to a mode of proof of which they are not legitimately capable'. Applauds Watson for his deference to the Bible, and his 'perfect inaptitude to associate its hallowing truths with philosophical refinements'. Quotes Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban) Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>: 'We ought not to attempt to drawn down or submit the mysteries of God to our reason; but, on the contrary, to raise and advance our reason to the divine truth'. Includes Bacon's observation that the mixing of religion and philosophy 'undoubtedly will make an heretical religion and a fabulous philosophy'. (309) Records that the work 'contains none of those dangerous concessions on the subject of what is called natural religion, which several preceding apologists for Christianity have unhappily made'. Summarizes the argument, noting that the work 'concludes by an answer to miscellaneous objections; especially those which are deduced from the infant science of Geology'. (310) Emphasizes the importance of Watson's discussion of the lack of divine knowledge amongst the ancients, independent of the revelation to the Jews. Gives extensive extracts from Watson's account of the evidential value of miracles.

Genre:

Extract, Miscellaneous

Publications extracted:

Time's Telescope (1823) Time's Telescope (1814–34) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Botany

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Letter, Rejoinder

Publications extracted:

W D D, W
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Subjects:

Entomology, Controversy, Wonder, Infidelity, Periodicals, Error, Experiment, Vivisection

People mentioned:

Mr Beddome, Beddome, Mr (chemist, of Tooley Street, Southwark) (fl. 1822) WM3/1/12d/6
Close   View the register entry >> Henri A Tessier Tessier, Henri Alexandre (1741–1837) WBI
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    The introduction explains that an earlier extract (Anon, 'Tenacity of Life in Insects', Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 1 (1822), 800) 'had been inserted in several of the most popular Magazines', and that it had been included in the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine Arminian Magazine (1778–97) Methodist Magazine (1798–21) Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine (1822–1900+) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >> chiefly because of its usefulness in confounding infidels. Observes: 'we, of course, could not be reasonably understood to make ourselves responsible for its correctness. We stated it, as we found it in other publications; and gave the name of the narrator'. (325) The letter by W. D. disputes the claims of the earlier extract, suggesting an alternative explanation of the phenomena observed.

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Electro-Magnetism, Experiment

People mentioned:

Humphry Davy, Davy, Sir Humphry, Baronet (1778–1829) DSB ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> Dominique F J Arago, Arago, Dominique François Jean (1786–1853) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> Leopold von Buch Buch, (Christian) Leopold von (1774–1853) DSB
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Genre:

Abstract, Paper

Publications abstracted:

Macculloch 1823 Macculloch, John 1823. 'On the Use of Perfumes in Preventing the Formation of Mouldiness', Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, 8, 33–36
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Subjects:

Botany, Domestic Economy

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Ornithology, Utility, Natural Economy

People mentioned:

Mr Bradley Bradley, Mr (fl. 1823) WM3/2/5d/11
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Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Quarterly Journal of Science Journal of Science and the Arts (1816–19) Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science and the Arts (1819–27) Quarterly Journal of Literature, Science and Art (1827–30) Journal of the Royal Institution of Great Britain (1830–31) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Animal Behaviour, Domestic Economy

People mentioned:

Mr MacDonald MacDonald, Mr (fl. 1823) WM3/2/5d/12
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Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Exploration, Heroism, Piety, Christianity

    Uses William E Parry's endurance of 'ten thousand nameless ills' for the 'paltry lure' of 'science, honour, [and] fame' to emphasize the obligation of the Christian to travel widely at the divine command.

Genre:

Review,Serial

Publications reviewed:

Watson 18[23]–29 Watson, Richard 18[23–]29. Theological Institutes; or, A View of the Evidences, Doctrines, Morals and Institutions of Christianity, 3 vols, London: John Mason
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Subjects:

Geology, Biblical Authority, Infidelity

    Describing Watson's 'Answers to Miscellaneous Objections' observes that '[w]ithin the last few years the most plausible objections to the Sacred Volume have been furnished by geological speculations'. Relates that Watson 'has shown that many of the writers who have been the most forward to object to the Mosaic account of the creation, have had only a very inadequate conception of that which the author of the Book of Genesis intended to teach; and that the principles of Geological Science are by no means sufficiently ascertained, to warrant those bold conclusions, which men of sceptical minds have so hastily deduced from them: for it is a fact, that men who are sceptics in religion, often display a voracious credulity in other subjects'. (378)

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Education, Utility, Infidelity, Piety

    Observes of this middle-class local preacher and class-leader: 'His ardent mind, expecially when engaged in withstanding the profane and ungodly, frequently exposed him to their insolence and resentment; but he overcame evil with good. Having much leisure, Mr. L. had acquired a variety of useful knowledge; and this he employed for the benefit of the public; which in that retired part of the country rendered him of great value' (412).

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Piety, Feeling, Wonder, Natural Law, Astronomy, Scientific Practitioners

    Apostrophizes God with the idea that thinking and speaking are inadequate in relation to him, and that only feeling is appropriate. The poet considers the possibility of his knowing the details of the sun's attributes, a discovery which would lead 'Proud Science' to 'immortalize his name'; Galileo Galilei Galilei, Galileo (1564–1642) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> would 'sink, forgot[ten]' and Isaac Newton's Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> fame would 'be buried in his tomb' (419). For all such knowledge, he would know no more of God; however, God is made manifest in Christ.

Genre:

Sermon, Serial

Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Human Species, Materialism, Immaterialism, Astronomy, Infidelity, Providence, Biblical Authority, Reason, Genius, Invention, Machinery, Endeavour, Anthropocentrism, Wonder, Piety, Plurality of Worlds

    Observes that most 'speculative systems of unbelief' undervalue human nature. Begins by briefly considering materialism and its connection with the denial of human immortality. Continues: 'Another stratagem of the philosophy which has no faith, is to persuade us that we are but atoms in the mass of beings; and that to suppose ourselves noticed by the Great Supreme, either in judgement or in mercy, is an unfounded and presumptuous conceit'. Observes that some view 'the moon and stars' as a sign of real human insignificance, not as a cause of wonder in the providence of divine care. (431) Maintains the truth of the latter on the authority of the Bible. Asserts the dominant place of the human species in the created order, and makes a distinction between animal intelligence and human rationality. Considers that God has 'magnified' the human species in the variety and superior nature of the pleasures of which it is susceptible, including the 'pleasures of CONTEMPLATION' (433). The extent of these are illustrated by reference to the 'deep and continued abstractions of the profound genius' and the 'patient labour of the inventor of useful or curious machines' (434). Presents these observations on the human species as an answer to those who would 'degrade man; shame him out of his confidence in his Maker, by instituting a comparison between him and the vastness of inanimate nature'. (435) Considers that space may be greatly extended and every star be made the centre of a solar system, without undermining the providential sentiment of the text of his sermon (Job 7. 17). Argues that the material creation has been instituted for the benefit of humans. Maintains that the possible existence of other worlds inhabited by rational beings has no bearing on the status of humans. Discusses the manner of divine redemption, observing: 'The philosopher of this world leads us to nature, its benevolent final causes, and kind contrivances to increase the sum of animal happiness; and there he stops,—with half his demonstration! But the Apostle leads us to the Gift bestowed by the FATHER for the sake of the recovery of man's intellectual and moral nature, and to the Cross endured by the SON, on this high behalf' (438).

Genre:

Extract, Poetry

Publications extracted:

H Levien Levien, H (fl. 1823) WM3/2/7d/4
Close   View the register entry >> , Literary Chronicle Literary Chronicle (1819–28) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Theology of Nature, Feeling, Piety, Natural Economy

    Reflects on the great changes wrought by God in nature in the changing seasons. Observes that creation declares God's 'power, his wisdom, and his might', and that there is 'enough of good for all'.

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Reading, Piety, Amusement

    Observes: 'From a child she was fond of books; and it was her good fortune to be pretty well supplied with them. She had within her reach books of amusement, and books of science, as well as books of piety and devotion: and she both regarded reading as a duty, and enjoyed it as a very high gratification' (501–02).

Genre:

Sermon, Serial

Subjects:

Feeling, Piety, Infidelity, Natural Theology

    Begins by considering those who have 'set not their heart upon GOD', for whom God's 'works, magnificent, and numerous, and curious as they are, bring him not to mind' (512).

Genre:

Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Annals of Philosophy Annals of Philosophy (1813–26) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Climatology, Animal Behaviour, Disease, Causation

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Lloyd 1823 Lloyd, David 1823. Horae Theologicae; or, A Series of Essays on Subjects Interesting and Important, Embracing Physics Morals and Theology. Written in Conformity to Rules Instituted in the Church Union Society of Saint David's Under the Patronage of its Right Reverend Founder and President, London: printed for the author
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Subjects:

Natural Theology

    Observes: 'The existence and attributes of GOD, the necessity and evidences of divine revelation, and the leading doctrines of christian science and christian experience, form the subjects of the volume'.

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Piety, Biblical Authority

People mentioned:

James Townley Townley, James (1774–1833) ODNB
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    Relates: 'Ardent in his attachment to scientific pursuits, it was his delight to trace the wisdom, power, and goodness of GOD in every thing around him; and especially to illustrate Revelation by the discoveries of science' (555).

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Physiology, Nutrition, Anatomy, Comparative Anatomy, Chemistry, Psychology, Temperance, Disease

People mentioned:

François Magendie, Magendie, François (1783–1855) DSB
Close   View the register entry >> Alexander P W Philip, Philip, Alexander Philip Wilson (formerly Wilson, Alexander Philip) (1770?–1851?) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >> Erasmus Darwin Darwin, Erasmus (1731–1802) DSB
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Publications cited:

Good 1822 Good, John Mason 1822. The Study of Medicine, 4 vols, London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy
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Genre:

Obituary, Extract

Subjects:

Education, Piety, Biblical Authority

    Observes: 'His mind was well stored with general information on various subjects of natural and moral philosophy; but especially, with a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures' (634).

Genre:

Poetry, Extract

Publications extracted:

Charles Wesley Wesley, Charles (1707–88) ODNB
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Subjects:

Exploration, Piety, Wonder, Providence

    Addresses God: 'For thee we leave our native shore, / [...] In other worlds thy works explore, / And see thy wonders in the deep'. Responding to the might of the ocean, considers that 'Faith only' discerns the divine presence. The poet relies on knowledge of Christ for providential care.

Genre:

Letter

Subjects:

Steamships, Travel, Piety, Amusement

    Criticizes the recent method of raising money for charity by hiring steam-boats and organizing excursions.

Genre:

Letter—Introduction; Anecdote

Subjects:

Providence, Disease

    Relates an anecdote of a woman who declared that if she had stolen money as she stood accused, 'she wished her right arm might rot off her body'. Shortly afterwards, her arm swelled and became mortified; it was amputated, but she died of the spreading mortification.

Genre:

Review

Publications reviewed:

Dubois 1823 Dubois, Jean Antoine 1823. Letters on the State of Christianity in India, in which the Conversion of the Hindoos is Considered as Impracticable, to which is Added, a Vindication of the Hindoos, Male and Female, in Answer to a Severe Attack Made upon Both by the Reverend ***, London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green
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Subjects:

Christianity, Race, Medical Practitioners, Chemistry, Wonder

    Critically reviews the argument of the Catholic missionary, Jean A Dubois Dubois, Jean Antoine (1765–1848) WBI
Close   View the register entry >>, based on the history of Catholic missions to India, that such endeavours are doomed to failure, since God has hardened his heart to the Hindus. Observes that Catholic missionaries 'ingratiated themselves with the natives' of India by 'their knowledge of astronomy and medicine' (672). Considers that the Catholic missionaries were foolish to attempt to rival Hinduism in show: 'Gunpowder and fire-works have helped them much as exhibitions in some of their churches in India; but "with all appliances and means to boot," which have been furnished by a knowledge of European chemistry and mechanism, their policy served them little' (675).

Genre:

Obituary

Subjects:

Education, Reading, Utility, Disease, Piety, Biblical Authority

    Records that, as a girl, she 'cultivated a taste for reading and an ardent desire for mental improvement', reading widely and deeply, and acquiring 'a correct knowledge of useful science'. Engaging in 'night-reading', she suffered repeated colds as a result. (709) After a particularly dangerous illness, she experienced a religious conversion, after which time, 'though she had still an ardent thirst for reading, the Bible became, as she expressed it, her "favourite book"' (711–12).

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Essay

Publications extracted:

Kempis [1822] Kempis, Thomas À [1822]. The Imitation of Christ, trans. by John Payne (with an introductory essay by Thomas Chalmers), Glasgow: William Collins
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Subjects:

Meteorology, Light, Physics, Biblical Authority, Piety, Empiricism, Astronomy, Travel, Analogy

    Considers that a partisan attachment to the doctrine of justification by faith has resulted in a neglect of the doctrine of sanctification: 'it is this which, on the pretence of magnifying a most essential doctrine, has, in fact, diffused a mist over the whole field of revelation; and which, like a mist in nature, not only shrouds the general landscape from all observation, but also bedims, while it adds to the apparent size of the few objects that continue visible. It is the same light which reveals the whole, that will render these last more brightly discernible than before' (724). Urges the analogy in reverse to establish that whatever tends to distort easily accessible truths will certainly hide less easily accessible truths. Argues that the doctrine of regeneration is seen at work in human experience, while that of atonement is more abstract. The man who 'without looking for a present holiness on earth [...] pictures for himself a future beatitude in heaven [...] resembles the man who, across the haze of nature's atmosphere which wraps all things in obscurity, thinks to descry the realities of the ulterior space, when he has only peopled it with gratuitous imagery of his own' (725). Draws an analogy between the Bible and a traveller's guide to establish that trust can be placed in the narrative of things beyond one's own experience in proportion to the assessed trustworthiness of the narrative of things within one's own experience.

Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Diary

Publications extracted:

Scoresby 1823 Scoresby, William 1823. Journal of a Voyage to the Northern Whale-Fishery, Including Researches and Discoveries on the Eastern Coast of West Greenland Made in the Summer of 1822 in the Ship Baffin of Liverpool, Edinburgh: Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson and Co.
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Subjects:

Scientific Practitioners, Piety

Genre:

Review, Serial

Publications reviewed:

Copleston 1821, Copleston, Edward 1821. An Enquiry into the Doctrines of Necessity and Predestination in Four Discourses Preached before the University of Oxford, with Notes, and Appendix on the Seventeenth Article of the Church of England, London: John Murray
Close   View the register entry >>Grinfield 1822a, Grinfield, E W 1822a. Vindiciæ Analogicæ: A Letter to the Rev. Edward Copleston, D.D., Provost of Oriel College, Oxford, &c.&c.&c. on His 'Enquiry into the Doctrines of Necessity and Predestination', London: T. Cadell
Close   View the register entry >>Copleston 1822, Copleston, Edward 1822. Remarks upon the Objections Made to Certain Passages in the 'Enquiry Concerning Necessity and Predestination', London: John Murray
Close   View the register entry >>Dalby 1822, Dalby, William 1822. A Defence of Some Passages in Dr. Copleston's 'Enquiry into the Doctrines of Necessity and Predestination', in Reply to a Letter Addressed to the Author, by the Rev. E. W. Grinfield [...] With an Abstract of the Leading Argument of the 'Enquiry', Oxford: J. Parker; London: F. C. & J. Rivington
Close   View the register entry >>Grinfield 1822b Grinfield, E W 1822b. Vindiciæ Analogicæ: Part the second. Being a Reply to the Third Section of the Rev. Dr. Copleston's 'Remarks on the Objections Made to Certain Passages in the Enquiry Concerning Necessity and Predestination', to Which is Added, an Appendix, Containing the Opinions of Some Eminent Writers on Analogy, &c, London: T. Cadell
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Subjects:

Natural Theology, Biblical Authority

Publications cited:

Whately, ed. 1821 Whately, Richard, ed. 1821. The Right Method of Interpreting Scripture: in what Relates to the Nature of the Deity, and His Dealings with Mankind, Illustrated in a Discourse on Predestination by Dr. King, Preached at Christ Church, Dublin, Before the House of Lords, May 15, 1709; with Notes, London: John Murray
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    Considers at length Edward Copleston's Copleston, Edward (1776–1849) ODNB
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Genre:

Introduction; Extract, Reportage

Publications extracted:

Literary Gazette Literary Gazette (1817–62) Parthenon (1863) Waterloo Directory
Close   View the register entry >>, Literary Chronicle Literary Chronicle (1819–28) Waterloo Directory
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Subjects:

Exploration, Physical Geography, Navigation, Utility, Heroism, Ethnography, Natural History, Collecting

People mentioned:

William E Parry, Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>Henry P Hoppner, Hoppner, Henry Parkins (1795–1833) WBI
Close   View the register entry >>George Fisher, Fisher, George (1794–1873) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>John Franklin, Franklin, Sir John (1786–1847) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>John Ross, Ross, Sir John (1777–1856) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>Samuel Hearne, Hearne, Samuel (1745–92) ODNB
Close   View the register entry >>Alexander Mackenzie Mackenzie, Sir Alexander (1763/4–1820) ODNB
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Institutions mentioned:

HMS Fury, HMS Fury
Close   View the register entry >>HMS Hecla HMS Hecla
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    Reports that the earlier extracted account relating the success of the expedition to find a north-west passage was erroneous. By delaying other articles 'less temporary in their character' the editor has been able to include extracts from the latest reports in order to 'gratify the curiosity of that large portion of our Readers, who may not otherwise have speedy access to them' (754).

See also:

Anon, 'Captain Parry's Expedition', Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, 3rd ser. 2 (1823), 183–84